Q&A

Heather Small, 38, was born and raised on a west London council estate. During the 1980s, she worked in a job centre and sang in a band called Hot House, before joining M People in 1990. Between 1993 and 1997, the band recorded four albums with combined sales in excess of 10m. Small released her debut solo album, Proud, in 2000, and tomorrow starts a solo tour. She has a son by her former partner, the rugby league player Shaun Edwards.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Peace of mind.

What is your greatest fear? To have any regrets.

With which historical figure do you most identify? Malcolm X - uncompromising, clever and fearless.

Which living person do you most admire? Maya Angelou - because she faces life straight on with humour and intelligence.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Lack of patience.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Rudeness.

What is your greatest extravagance? To love, because there is the potential for hurt.

What objects do you always carry with you? Make-up, and a lucky shell given to me by my son.

Where would you like to live? Thailand - I like the culture and the way of life, which respects the self and all others in a day-to-day manner.

What is your favourite smell? My son.

What is your favourite building? My house, because of the people who live there and visit on a regular basis. I have a total feeling of wellbeing when I enter it.

Should the royal family be scrapped? Everyone has the right to live - but for the majority of people, living costs.

Do you believe in monogamy? Yes. A good relationship takes commitment and dedication. I can only be that committed and dedicated to one person at a time.

When and where were you happiest? Every moment with my family and friends. Especially when eating my mum's Caribbean home cooking, and talking about everything and nothing in particular.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you? You have no control over anything or anyone but yourself, and even that takes work.